April 7, 1954 – March 21, 2023
OCRACOKE — Robert Benjamin (Ben) O’Neal, 68, of Ocracoke, NC passed away on Tuesday, March 21, 2023.
Ben was a native of Ocracoke, NC and a graduate of Ocracoke High School. He had numerous jobs after high school; working with Army Corps of Engineers on a dredge in different areas and assisting a good friend while driving a Mayflower moving van across the country which he thoroughly enjoyed. He also worked at The Community Store, the Ocracoke Variety Store, and on a dredge for the State. Finally, Ben had the opportunity to work with the North Carolina Department of Transportation – Ferry Division where he ended up retiring 38 years of service as a ferry mate. He was a dedicated employee.
Ben enjoyed sharing historical facts and dates with those around him. He made friends everywhere he went and cherished spending time with family and friends. Part-time, Ben would drive fish trucks to different locations which he also enjoyed . He always had a joke and loved kidding with the young as well as the old.
He was born on April 7, 1954, in Morehead City, NC to Mildred O’Neal and Ronald T. O’Neal, Sr.
He was deeply grateful for his family, the opportunities he received during his life, and the wonderful coworkers and friends he made during his lifetime. Ben was loved by all and had a smile that would light up a room.
Ben is survived by his loving wife of 43 years, Christine O’Neal; daughter, Shannon Love and husband Eric of Boca Raton, FL; grandchildren, Lindsay Waldman and husband Benjamin of Orlando, FL, Preston Love of Boca Raton, FL; great-granddaughter, Rory Waldman of Orlando, FL; two brothers, Ronald T. O’Neal, Jr. and wife Kathleen of Ocracoke, NC and Michael Warren O’Neal of Ocracoke, NC; two nephews, Ryan O’Neal and Bryan O’Neal; two nieces, Kathrine Summer O’Neal of California and Stacey Mae O’Neal of Ocracoke, NC; numerous cousins and his fur-baby, Sunshine.
He was preceded in death by his parents, grandparents, aunts, and uncles.
A memorial service will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Lifesaving Church – Ocracoke Assembly of God (https://lifesaving.church/), Ocracoke United Methodist Church (https://www.ocracokeumc.com/), or the Ocracoke Volunteer Fire Department (https://www.ocracokevfd.org/).
The family would like to sincerely thank all who offered support during Ben’s illness especially Kelly, Scott, Jim, Jimmy, Ronnie Van, Martha, Jamie, Linda, Fletcher, Dr. Erin Baker, the Ocracoke Health Center, his morning phone calls friends and family and many others.
Twiford Funeral Homes, Outer Banks is assisting the family with arrangements. Condolences and memories may be shared at www.TwifordFH.com.
